A series of short videos documenting some of the things federal government workers do to to provide services that are the bedrock of Candian society and the economy. The workers in the interviews also outline the risks that privatization poses to the quality and availability of public services.
Graving Dock, Esquimalt BC
At a graving dock in Esquimalt BC, vital to west coast shipping, dock workers argue that because the dock is run as a public service, it's better able to resist the profit motive and instead protect the environment, the fisheries and public access.
Coast Guard, Quebec City
Services like search and rescue, opening waterways, pollution control are too important to leave to chance. Without a modern public service we cannot have a modern society".
Public Works, Ottawa
Whether replacing light fixtures, re-pointing masonry or any one of a thousand building support services, public works employees make federal government buildings beautiful, safe and clean. But as the government moves to contractors, public works employees are seeing corners cut, shoddy work, and jobs left undone. If they see something wrong that's not on their work order, a contractor will leave it unfixed, because they're not going to be paid for that.
Stanton Hospital, Yellowknife
"The only way people get healthy is if they feel like their health care is something that they want -- that is relevant to them," the co-ordinator of Aboriginal wellness programs at Stanton Hospital says privatization is a big question mark. "It doesn't look good. Is it going to look like the States -- that's their model -- people are suffering there."
Rideau Canal
A lock master on the Rideau Canal -- a UNESCO world heritage site -- talks about how privatization has made their efforts to maintain the lock more difficult. "It's more about the contractor's schedule" rather than getting things fixed in a timely manner. "The Canal has gone downhill since I started working here in 1977. It's still working, but the assets are deteriorating."
Teaching assistant, Montréal QC
"I believe my work educating people on rights and obligations will help improve them and consequently improve society in general and which will make for better citizens."
